Is Mark Carney the valium for Canada’s Trump-induced anxiety?

OTTAWA—Just before this election began, it was billed as one of—if not the—most consequential of our time. Indeed, it may be, given the threat presented to Canada and the global community from United States President Donald Trump’s quest to reshape the world order, and the economy. However, to date, the campaign itself has been pretty […]
Project competence, avoid silly dances: parties seek balance with social media strategies

A fragmented media landscape has increased the value of social media experimentation, but an NDP stumble may show the risk of full campaign integration, says digital strategist Michael Roy.
Red-pill populism

Conservative politics and its embrace of populism have merged with toxic masculinity for validation in the mainstream.
Feds’ lack of transparency continues to be a shame

Global Affairs Canada has reversed the small step forward it took towards trade-deal transparency out of what appears to be a misguided fear of negative outcomes if people know anything about negotiations.
Election platform release a ‘pass/fail’ exercise with little reward for expedience, say politicos

Parties must weigh the optimal time to capture voters’ attention with the potential pitfalls caused by even minor errors when deciding on platform-release dates.
NDP has a familiar team fighting to keep its presence in the House

‘For the NDP, the battle of this campaign is going to be fought in their incumbent ridings,’ and target ridings, says strategist Jordan Leichnitz.
Q&A | Unpacking the ‘astonishing’ swing in federal polls with Frank Graves

‘The stakes are very high’ this election says Ekos Research’s Frank Graves, and voter ‘emotions are very important’ in driving how campaigns take shape.
Carney grasps a key point that Poilievre has missed in the trade war

It can never be politics as usual again with the United States. Mark Carney has talked about the political imperative that this new and totally unexpected truth poses for this country.
Despite dip in polls, Conservative path to victory remains possible, say political players

If the Conservatives hope to win the next election, they’ll need to address Trump’s tariffs alongside the cost of living, says pollster Nik Nanos. ‘If he can come down with that extra punch, he can win the election.’
The theatre of leaders’ debates

The election debates we see on TV nowadays are little more than political leaders going on a stage to express carefully crafted talking points and mini speeches. In short, it’s less like an intellectual debate and more like political theatre. So buckle up, it’s showtime.